Osteoarthritis and Ayurveda

14 Jun Osteoarthritis and Ayurveda

Introduction-

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder in which degeneration takes place in joints, most commonly affects the knee joint. It is severe painful disorder with restricted movement of joint. In osteoarthritis damage of joint’s cartilage takes place and that damage of the cartilage causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement.

Osteoarthritis ranges from very mild to very severe, and most commonly affects middle-aged and older people. It affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back but most commonly developed in knee joint.

In India, Osteoarthritis of knee joint contributes to nearly 80% of total osteoarthritis burden and it majorly affects the quality of life.

In Ayurveda ‘Sandhigata Vata’ can be considered as Osteoarthritis.

Probable Cause of Osteoarthritis-

1. Suppression of natural urges
2. Irregular sleeping habits
3. Consumption of excessive dry & cold food items
4. Exposure to severe cold and hot climate for long time
5. Excessive weight
6. Excessive strain over the joints
7. Degeneration of the cartilages due to ageing

Common Signs and Symptoms-

1. Moderate to severe pain in the affected joint
2. Restricted and painful movement of joint
3. Pain after getting touch at joint
4. Swelling
5. Localised temperature at affected joint
6. Crackling noise during movement of joint

Management of Osteoarthritis-

The management of Osteoarthritis is classified in the following catagories-

1. Ayurvedic Oral Medications- It comprises of various decoctions of Herbs like Nirgundi, Choorna of Herbs like Ashwagandha, and Tablets like Yogaraj Guguulu in prescribed dose and apart from that there is a large range of Herbo-mineral drug combinations are described in the Classics of Ayurveda for the management of Osteoarthritis. These all drugs should be taken strictly under the guidance of qualified Ayurvedic physician.
2. Panchakarma Therapy- It comprises of Panchakarma procedures like oleation of the joints with specific Ayurvedic medicated oils, Sudations by bolus of specific herbs, Trans -rectal administration (Anal administration) of specific combination of specific drugs with medicated oils. These procedures should be administered strictly under the supervision of Specialist of Panchakarma only, not any other Ayurvedic practitioners as it is very common in trends that every Doctor of Ayurveda is practicing Panchakarma which is even not allowed because there is a separate branch in Panchakarma specialization during post graduate studies of Ayurveda.

Common Do’s and Don’ts of Osteoarthritis-

One should follow following safety measures as preventive aspects for Osteoarthritis

Do’s-

1. Regular Exercises, Pranayamas, Yoga, Walking etc
2. Good intake of Ginger, Garlic, Black Pepper, Gurmeric in daily routine food
3. Maintain proper weight
4. Proper balanced diet
5. Protection of injured joint for further damage

Don’ts-

1. Long starvation (fasting)
2. Heavy and unfresh food
3. Suppression of natural urges like flatus, urine, stool etc
4. Over exertion to joints
5. Prolonged standing